CASH ATHLETICS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2779, 19 June 1907, Page 62

CASH ATHLETICS.

By SroBT.

Mr D. J. Corcoran, secretary of the Otago Centre, N.Z.A.U., returns to Dunedin at ths beginning of the coming week after an absence of some two months in Invercargill. Although away from the centre's headquarters, he kept himself busy in preparing the annual report and in corresponding with various societies in regard to matters concerning the centre. Several dailies spoke in commendatory terms on the promptitude of the N.Z.A.U. in investigating- the running in connection with the Day-M'Lachlan- match. The Oamaru Mail 6ays (in part):— "The match was ran in Dnnedin on the 3rd, and by the sth the whole of the machinery of the New Zealand Athletic Union was in motion, and an exhaustive inquiry held by the Otago Centre of the union. This promptitude of action is certain to assure the public confidence in the. sport."

A meeting was held recently of the Hawke's Bay branch of the New Zealand Athletic Union, Mr C. M. Whittington presiding. After discussing phases of professionalism and proprietary meetings, the following resolution was parsed — "That the New Zealand Athletic Union be urged to get an Anti-betting Bill placed "upon the Statute Book this session ; and that the member or members of the executive of the centre in which proprietary sports are held should attend the meetings and bring; before the N.Z.A.U. anything in the shape of 'crook' running; that the secretary of tho centre, Mr Callender, communicate with the members for the district with a view of soliciting their co-operation and support when the bill is brought before the House."

From wires which have appeared in the dailies it appears as if Day and M'Lachlan will now contest another match at Auckland at some near date for a purse of £100 given by Mr Naylor, £75 going to the winner and £25 to the lc&er. There will also be a side wager of £25. It is expected that Day will also contest a race with an Auckland runner, conceding him 20 yards in a quarter.

The New Zealand Athletic Union has derided not to sanction any further match between B. R. Day (the Irieh runner) and L C. M'Lachlan (the New Zealander). In this connection the manager for the DayM'Lachlan match at Auckland states that he did not apply to- the New Zealand Union for permission to promote the match at Auckland.

Mr W. Hastings Bell, the secretary, gives particulars of the agenda paper to be submitted to a special meeting of. the Stawell A.C. Although the general receipts at the Easter meeting were higher all round (except in two cases^. the- prohibition of side games (last year they returned £169 10s) and the increase in prize-money, mean lees mor.ev for the charities this year. The cub has a balance of assets over labilities of no less than £766 4s 4d.

Maurice Buxton has challeneed B. -R. Day to run a match over 75, 120, and 200 yards for £100 aside, the winner of two distances to also take all the gate receipts. Buxton is willing to run on any fair track in Australia, or will go to New Zealand if Day will allow reasonable expenses, but h' would prefer to run at Brisbane. A southern writer says that the New Zealand Athletic Union is certain to hold aloof from matches in the future.

A. A. Nicholls, ex-amateur champion sprinter, has returned to Melbourne from New Zealand.

DAY v. M'LACHLAN".

AUCKLAND, June 11

Day refuses M'Lachlan'a challenge for a match at N*pier, but is willing to race 130 yds, 200 yds, and 306 yds at Auckland.

June 12.

Mr Rufe Naylor last evening issued * challenge on behalf of the champion runner Day to meet M'Lachlan over three distances for £50 a-side. The distances stipulated were 130 yards, 175 yards, and 300 yaTds. Mr Nay lor offers to deposit £25 immediately. NAPIER, June 11.

In reply to Day's conditions for a race, M'Lachlan states " that he will only run 100 yds, 150 yds, and 250yus. coaditiona'.ly that each runs the full distance of 250 yds in the tape-3, otherwise he will not make a match. M'Lachlan will ran the above distances anywhere and will only accept the distances proposed by Dey on the Xnpier track within tapes.

Juno 13

M'Lachlan has accepted Day's '.a'est challenge to run 130 yd-, 175 yds. ~pi>d 300 yds at Au'ltlard for .£SO a-side, and is forwarding a deposit orf J£2s.